Member Board
Press Releases
Cox Science Center Names New CEO to Lead $150M Expansion
MEDIA CONTACT:
Slatkow & Husak Public Relations
Toni Ravelo-Hassinger
Science@SlatkowHusak.com or 561.278.0850
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COX SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM APPOINTS KURT ALLEN AS NEW CEO
Industry leader to guide momentum of landmark multimillion-dollar expansion
Industry leader to guide momentum of landmark multimillion-dollar expansion
(WEST PALM BEACH, FLA) – Cox Science Center and Aquarium (CSCA) announced the appointment of Kurt Allen as its new Chief Executive Officer, bringing more than 35 years of leadership experience in hospitality, tourism and world class aquarium operations to the organization at a pivotal time in its history.
Allen officially starts in his new role on March 9. He joins CSCA as the Center advances its landmark expansion designed to significantly increase attendance and educational reach, with the goal of serving nearly 1 million in-person and virtual guests annually.
Most recently, Allen served as President and CEO of the Mississippi Aquarium, where he led the $103 million development, construction and successful opening of the state’s first aquarium during the COVID-19 pandemic. A graduate of Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in restaurant, hotel and institutional management, Allen has built his career around creating exceptional guest experiences, leading high performing teams and guiding complex, large scale projects from concept to completion.
“As the incoming CEO, my focus will be on overseeing the construction of our new state of the art facility while leading our team in creating the number one science center in the country,” said Allen. “Our goal is to create a scientific playground where children’s imaginations run wild through exploration and conservation. We want to open every mind to science and inspire future generations of engineers, doctors, scientists, conservationists and maybe even Nobel Prize winners.”
The CSCA expansion is supported by an ambitious $150 million expansion campaign, of which $135 million has already been raised. In addition to funding construction and programmatic growth, the campaign includes plans to establish a long-term endowment to ensure sustainability, continued innovation and expanded access for generations to come.
Eric Stonestrom, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said Allen’s background uniquely positions him to guide CSCA through its next phase of growth.
“Kurt’s leadership comes at a defining moment for the Cox Science Center and Aquarium,” said Stonestrom. “As we advance our purpose to open every mind to science, we are expanding not just our physical footprint, but our impact. Our vision is to be the premier leader in igniting curiosity, enhancing scientific education, empowering discovery and changing lives in our community. Kurt understands how to build immersive experiences that inspire, engage and educate — and how to lead with excellence, integrity and inclusivity. He is the right leader to help us realize the full promise of science for our region.”
Allen’s leadership experience includes directing hiring, policy development, exhibit completion and operational modeling for major attractions. He has served on numerous tourism, attractions and community boards throughout his career, reinforcing his commitment to strengthening the communities his organizations serve.
“I see the transformation of the Cox Science Center and Aquarium as a project that will make an immense impact on our children and our children’s children,” Allen said. “Science is the building block of our future. We have an opportunity to inspire millions and change lives for generations to come.”
Allen will oversee the final phase of the CSCA dramatic transformation, increasing in size from 35,000 square feet to more than 100,000 square feet. The aquarium will expand from 10,000 gallons to 160,000 gallons, making it one of Florida’s largest indoor aquariums. In addition to new floor-to-ceiling aquatic habitats, the expansion will introduce an interactive extended-reality experience showcasing signature programs from rocket launches to deep-sea exploration; and expanded classrooms and wet lab that strengthens the Center’s preferred-provider status for all schools in Palm Beach County.
Located at 4801 Dreher Trail N West Palm Beach, Fl. 33405 and open during construction, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium currently features immersive, educational exhibits, an outdoor science trail and more. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows and special events. The current traveling exhibit, Top Secret: License to Spy, will be on display through May 3, 2026. In 2021, the Center launched a transformative capital expansion campaign. Construction began in May 2024 with completion expected in 2027.
To learn more call 561.832.1988 or visit coxsciencecenter.org.
###
Slatkow & Husak Public Relations
-
Toni Ravelo-Hassinger Senior Account Manager
- March 02, 2026
- (561) 278-0850
- Send Email
